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Dear Alumni Family,
This academic year, Chicago State University is stronger than ever — with record enrollment, higher retention, and transformative community investments that are reshaping our neighborhood.
This fall, our campus is not only bustling with new students — it’s also expanding in exciting new ways. After years of partnership and planning, construction has begun on a new Metra stop just steps from campus, and the 95th Corridor Redevelopment Project is evolving into University Village at 95th — a visionary initiative that will revitalize our community and provide vital new resources for our growing student body.
We can’t do this alone. Our alumni are essential to sustaining this incredible momentum.
That’s why we’re kicking alumni engagement into high gear! The Chicago State Alumni Association is thriving — and so too are our campus partnerships that expand opportunities for connection and support. A new mentoring program is launching soon, new affinity groups are forming, and we’re planning more events to help alumni connect, advance their careers, and guide the next generation of Cougars.
Don't miss new ways to stay connected — from joining the alumni association or volunteering, to attending events and exploring our expanding list of alumni benefits.
Let's continue to show the strength of our CSU community—because we are always stronger, together.
With Cougar Pride,
| | Melanie Sillas, President
Chicago State Foundation | | | |
Alumnus José Muñoz Honored at
Record-Breaking 1stGEN Scholarship Gala
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CSU Provost Dr. Sonja Feist-Price pictured above honoring alumnus
José Muñoz with the Alumni Achievement Award.
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The Chicago State Foundation proudly recognized Jose M. Muñoz with the Cougar Servant Leader Award for Alumni Achievement at this year's 6th Annual 1stGEN Scholarship Gala: Determined, Presented by Northern Trust — which broke records by raising the most of any CSU gala to date.
A proud CSU graduate, Jose currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of La Casa Norte, a leading Chicago nonprofit that provides housing, healing, and hope to more than 24,000 youth and families experiencing homelessness each year. A mission-driven leader, Jose brings both lived experience and deep expertise to his work, advancing dignity, opportunity, and community transformation.
In addition to leading La Casa Norte, Jose was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker to the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness, co-chairs the Illinois Latino Agenda, and serves on the Board of Directors for NHS Chicago. He is also a former Chicago Park District Commissioner.
Jose embodies the spirit of Cougar leadership and achievement. Please join us in celebrating his impact, service, and commitment to our community. Congratulations, Jose!
This year's 1stGEN Scholarship Gala, held on September 26, broke it's own record raising close to $900,000 in support of scholarships and student success at Chicago State University.
More than 500 alumni, faculty, partners, students and friends gathered to celebrate and invest in CSU's mission. The event was emceed by WVON-AM/1690 radio personality Robin Robinson, and featured remarks from CSU President Zaldwaynaka "Z" Scott; Board of Trustees Chair Andrea Zopp, outgoing board Chair and CSU Trustee John C. Robak, as well as students, partners, and alumni who exemplify CSU pride and purpose.
Read the full story here.
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First-Ever Brick Campaign Launches
Chicago State has launched its first-ever campus brick program, giving donors a unique opportunity to leave a permanent mark on campus for generations to come.
The project is just getting started, but momentum is already building — alumni account for more than 60% of brick purchases so far, joined by longtime faculty, loyal donors, and valued corporate partners who all share a deep commitment to CSU’s future.
Brick purchases will continue through the year, culminating in a spring ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation and honor those who helped make it possible.
Make your mark on CSU scholars with a brick of your own — honor your family, recognize your graduating class, or leave an inspiring message for future Cougars. Proceeds directly support student success initiatives and University priorities.
Get your brick today!
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| CSU Welcomes Largest Freshmen Class in Years | | |
CSU is celebrating record growth this fall, with an 83% increase in first-time freshmen and a 12% rise in overall enrollment.
Retention has also reached a historic high of 70%, reflecting the impact of student-success initiatives like Cougar Commitment and RISE Academy.
CSU’s momentum is clear: more students are choosing Cougar Nation, and together we are building a stronger, thriving campus community.
“Chicago State University’s strong fall 2025 enrollment growth is evidence that CSU is delivering on our mission as we experience the largest freshman class in over a decade and a record retention rate,” said Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott, President of Chicago State University. “Higher education is a proven investment and transforms lives."
Read the full story here.
| | CSU Joins Groundbreaking of Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park | | |
It’s official—construction has begun on the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP)! Governor J.B. Pritzker joined leaders from government, business, academia, and the community on Chicago’s South Side to celebrate this historic milestone.
CSU is proud to play a key role in this transformative project. Under the leadership of Dr. Moussa Ayyash and Dr. Valerie Goss '96, who is also a CSU alumna, CSU is advancing discovery and workforce development that positions Illinois as a global leader in quantum innovation. With hundreds of students already learning quantum and microelectronic concepts, CSU is ensuring South Side communities are at the forefront of the quantum future.
Read the full story here.
| | CSU Hope To Make A College Town Out of 95th Street | |
Chicago State University is offering up some of its green space to developers who would create a college town feeling, with apartments, shops and restaurants. This summer, CSU issued a request for proposals to build the first phase of what it calls University Village 95, which would have up to 528 student beds — all rental — and 25,000 square feet of retail space.
It's "a new front door to our campus," CSU's president, Zaldwaynaka "Z" Scott, said in published materials about the plan.
The above rendering shows the complete buildout along the south side of 95th Street lined with three- to five-story buildings from Cottage Grove Avenue nearly half a mile west to Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. In the rendering the cluster of green-roofed buildings is University Village 95, with CSU's existing buildings behind them and to the right. “University Village 95 is more than a real estate project. It’s a commitment to equitable development through real estate investment,” Andrea Zopp, chair of the CSU board of trustees and former CEO of World Business Chicago and deputy Chicago mayor, said in a prepared statement.
The RFP, issued by the school and CBRE, points out that CSU, the state's only four-year, predominantly Black school, generates $1.6 billion in economic activity. The document touts not only high demand for student housing in the neighborhood, but the coming of a $56 million Metra station rehab and the Chicago Transit Authority's $5.75 billion Red Line extension project, as well as the appeal of nearby Pullman National Park and the planned quantum campus on the old South Works steel mill site.
The project is expected to go in four phases. In the first phase, the school is offering developers long-term ground leases on CSU-owned parcels. The developers' proposals must include their financing plan, design and timeline.
Read the full story here.
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FOLLOW THE CSAA ON SOCIAL MEDIA
To stay in the know, be sure we have your updated email information here, and follow our CSAA accounts on social media below.
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Join the CSAA today and be in the know on upcoming alumni opportunities, including our new mentoring program.
We're building our mentor base now, so sign up to be a mentor today. We will invite young alumni and graduating seniors to become mentees this fall.
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Alumni can also take advantage of some great alumni benefits, including several discount programs....
- NEW Campus Child Care Center Discount
- Local and national discount program
- Homebuyer Assistance program
- Health club membership at ChiTown Mecca Fitness
- CSU's Options Program
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Saturday, November 15, 2025
1:00 PM at CSU
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Cheer on the Cougars as they take on UIC in our Jones Convocation Center!
Alumni Lounge with CSU Gear Sales will be on site!
| | CSU's Illinois Center for Education Equity Conference Speakers Announced | | |
Chicago State Army ROTC Blood Drive
Monday, November 10, 2025
10am - 3pm
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Jacoby Dickens Center Gymnasium
CSU Campus 9501 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL
Appointments preferred. Schedule yours below
or call 1-800-RED-CROSS
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The Chicago State Alumni Association is operated out of the Chicago State Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising and engagement office of Chicago State University
and is located on CSU's campus.
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